Search Results (1,998)

Background: Immunization coverage has increased substantially in the Western Pacific Region, saving millions of lives and supporting disease elimination efforts. However, gaps in coverage and inequitable vaccine access persist, leaving millions unvaccinated. Wealth-based inequalities remain a critical barrier to achieving equitable immunization coverage and maximizing the health benefits of vaccination programs. Methods: We analyzed full immunization coverage among 1-year-olds in 10 middle-income countries of the Western Pacific Region using data from the WHO Health Inequalities Data Repository. National and wealth quintile-specific coverage rates and within-country inequalities were assessed using absolute and relative measures (difference, ratio, slope index of inequality, and relative index of inequality). Trends over time were examined in countries with longitudinal data (n = 5), identifying pro-rich or pro-poor changes based on shifts in quintile-specific coverage. We also calculated the population attributable risk (PAR) and fraction (PAF) to estimate the potential increase in national coverage if wealth-based inequalities were eliminated. Findings: Substantial gaps in immunization coverage persist across all countries studied (n = 10), but with substantial between- and within-country disparities. Coverage was higher among the richest quintiles in half of the countries, with the rest showing no significant disparities. Trends in inequalities were mixed: Cambodia, Mongolia, and Viet Nam experienced pro-poor improvements over time; the Philippines saw widening pro-rich inequalities; and Lao PDR showed little change. Population attributable risks (PAR) showed that eliminating wealth-based inequalities could increase national coverage significantly in five countries (Fiji, Lao PDR, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga), with relative gains that could increase national coverage by up to 50% while achieving equity gains. Conclusions: Addressing wealth-based inequalities in immunization could drive substantial gains in national coverage across the Western Pacific Region. Sustained, equity-oriented approaches are essential to achieving universal vaccine access and ensuring no population is left behind. Inequality patterns can guide equity-focused policies to reach underserved and disadvantaged populations. Full article

In this paper, a broadband photoconductive antenna (PCA) with enhanced full-band radiation power is proposed based on dual-frequency complementary technology. In the proposed PCA, dual-frequency metallic bar resonators are combined with the coplanar transmission line. Dual-frequency resonant cascades in the meta-atomic electrodes enable effective manipulation of the dissipated terahertz energy along the coplanar lines of PCAs and efficient scattering of terahertz energy into the far field, thereby enhancing far-field radiation power. To validate the proposed antenna, the prototype of the proposed PCA is manufactured and measured. Compared with the conventional PCA, experimental results indicate that our PCA increases the THz radiation power of the entire radiation frequency band (0.02–1.5 THz) by 4.5 times. In addition, our experiments demonstrate that the proposed PCA overcomes the narrowband resonant response characteristics of traditional methods, significantly improving energy utilization efficiency. This design offers a reproducible and universal approach to effectively harness this dissipated terahertz energy, opening a path to rapidly advancing the practicality of terahertz techniques. Full article

Ball joints are components of the vehicle axle, and their friction characteristics must be considered when evaluating vibration behavior and ride comfort in driving simulator-based simulations. To model the three-dimensional friction behavior of ball joints, real-time capability and intuitive parameterization using data from standardized component test benches are essential. These requirements favor phenomenological modeling approaches. This paper applies a spherical, three-dimensional friction model based on the LuGre model, compares it with alternative approaches, and introduces a universal parameter estimation framework using machine learning. Furthermore, the kinematic operating ranges of ball joints are derived from vehicle measurements, and component-level measurements are conducted accordingly. The collected measurement data are used to estimate model parameters through gradient-based optimization for all considered models. The results of the model fitting are presented, and the model characteristics are discussed in the context of their suitability for online simulation in a driving simulator environment. We demonstrate that the proposed parameter estimation framework is capable of learning all the applied models. Moreover, the three-dimensional LuGre-based approach proves to be well suited for capturing the dynamic friction behavior of ball joints in real-time applications. Full article

Background: Right heart failure (RHF) in dogs is marked by pathological fluid redistribution and extracellular fluid (ECF) accumulation, which intensifies cardiac work-load and disrupts systemic homeostasis. This study aimed to validate the clinical utility of phase angle (PhA), a key biomarker derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), as a non-invasive and real-time indicator of fluid distribution abnormalities in canine RHF. PhA reflects cellular integrity and fluid balance, making it a promising tool for detecting ECF accumulation, one of the hallmark features of RHF. Additionally, the study assessed the feasibility and clinical applicability of the InBody M20 device in veterinary cardiology, supporting its potential role in monitoring and managing fluid-related complications in dogs with RHF. Methods: A total of 110 canine patients presenting to the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Veterinary Hospital were enrolled and categorized into three groups: right-sided heart failure (RHF), left-sided heart failure (LHF), and healthy controls. Phase angle (PhA) was measured using the InBody M20 device, and plasma osmolality (OSM) was also assessed. Additionally, the effects of body weight and age on PhA values were analyzed to account for potential confounding factors. Results: Dogs in the RHF group exhibited significantly lower phase angle (PhA) values and higher plasma osmolality (OSM) compared to those in the LHF and control groups. A strong positive correlation was observed between PhA and OSM (r = 0.9211, p < 0.0001). Additionally, PhA measured at 5 kHz demonstrated a significant negative correlation with body weight (r = –0.4536, p = 0.0007), while PhA at 50 kHz showed a significant negative correlation with age (r = –0.3219, p = 0.0176). Conclusions: PhA is a reliable and non-invasive biomarker for assessing extracellular fluid accumulation and diagnosing right heart failure in dogs. Its strong correlation with plasma osmolality, as well as its associations with body weight and age, highlights its clinical relevance for comprehensive fluid status evaluation. The findings support the feasibility and applicability of using the InBody M20 device in veterinary cardiology to monitor and manage fluid-related complications in canine patients. Full article

In this study, we provide, to our knowledge, one of the first multidimensional, data-driven evaluations of green education performance in Turkish higher education, combining the THE Education Score, THE Impact Score, and the UI GreenMetric Education & Research Score (GM-ED) with institutional characteristics, and situating the analysis within SDG 4 (Quality Education). While universities worldwide increasingly integrate sustainability into their missions, systematic evidence from middle-income systems remains scarce. To address this gap, we compile a dataset of 50 Turkish universities combining three global indicators—the Times Higher Education (THE) Education Score, THE Impact Score, and the UI GreenMetric Education & Research Score (GM-ED)—with institutional characteristics such as ownership and student enrollment. We employ descriptive statistics; correlation analysis; robust regression models; composite indices under equal, PCA, and entropy-based weighting; and exploratory k-means clustering. Results show that integration of sustainability into curricula and research is the most consistent predictor of SDG-oriented performance, while institutional size and ownership exert limited influence. In addition, we propose composite indices (GECIs). GECIs confirm stable top performers across methods, but mid-ranked universities are volatile, indicating that governance and strategic orientation matter more than structural capacity. The study contributes to international debates by framing green education as both a measurable indicator and a transformative institutional practice. For Türkiye, our findings highlight the need to move beyond symbolic initiatives toward systemic reforms that link accreditation, funding, and governance with green education outcomes. More broadly, we demonstrate how universities in middle-income contexts can institutionalize sustainability and provide a replicable framework for assessing progress toward SDG 4. Full article

Background/Objectives: Executive functioning (EF) and prospective memory (PM) difficulties have been documented in adults with developmental dyslexia. However, research has tended to focus on university students with a formal diagnosis, overlooking adults who may experience symptoms of dyslexia without ever being formally diagnosed. The present online study aimed to investigate the effects of dyslexia traits on EF and PM in a larger, community-based sample by prioritising the use of self-report measures that include and differentiate between underexplored aspects of EF and PM in the dyslexia literature. Methods: One hundred and eighty adult volunteers of a wide range of ages were included in the final analysis. Participants completed four self-report questionnaires with good pedigrees assessing dyslexia traits and ADHD symptomatology, as well as everyday experiences of five distinct EFs, PM and PM strategies. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for age and ADHD symptomatology, more self-reported dyslexia traits were associated with more frequent EF problems overall and lower confidence in PM Abilities. Elevated dyslexia traits were significantly associated with self-reports of more difficulties with time-management, organisation and self-restraint, but not with more difficulties with motivation and regulation of emotion. No significant associations were found between dyslexia traits and the self-reported use of PM-enhancing strategies. Conclusions: The findings are considered in the light of potential metacognition deficits and theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Full article

The rise of English-medium instruction (EMI) in higher education presents challenges for supporting language development alongside disciplinary learning, as it is typically delivered by content specialists with limited time and little or no background in language pedagogy. Against this backdrop, this study examines the effectiveness of computer-assisted content-based structured input (CBSI), compared to input flood (IF) and unmodified disciplinary input (Control), in enhancing students’ acquisition of English verb patterns in an EMI university course in Poland. All participants received the same asynchronous, computer-assisted disciplinary instruction, aligned with the course syllabus. The groups differed only in the type of input enhancement, which was developed by a language specialist in coordination with the course instructor. A split-block design was used to measure learning gains through a pre-test, post-test, and delayed post-test. Students in the CBSI group showed significantly greater and more sustained improvement than those in the IF and Control groups. These findings support CBSI as an effective and pedagogically feasible way to promote language development in EMI, integrating linguistic and disciplinary concerns while respecting the roles and integrity of both domains. Full article

Background: Adherence to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a key determinant of therapy success, particularly in chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease (CKD). MNT in CKD requires significant changes in patient’s dietary habits, which can affect long-term adherence. This study aims to evaluate the adherence to MNT in stage 5 CKD patients undergoing conservative kidney management (CKM), identifying potential challenges and strengths of nutritional intervention. Methods: We enrolled in 94 stage 5 CKD patients undergoing CKM at the University Hospital of Modena, Italy. We collect clinical data from medical and nutrition records. The inclusion criteria comprised patients of all genders, ages, and ethnicity with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), in pre-dialysis, enrolled in the nephrology and dietetics program, who had access to 24-h urine tests, anthropometric measurements, and dietary history records. Exclusion criteria included patients with CKD stages lower than 5, those who had not undergone at least one nutritional assessment, or lacked accessible 24-h urine data. The study utilized medical and dietary records from September 2017 to March 2025. The primary outcome was the assessment of adherence to medical nutrition therapy (MNT), comparing prescribed protein intake with actual intake, estimated from dietary history (DH). Protein intake was compared with normalized protein nitrogen appearance (nPNA) as stated by recent guidelines. Additional factors influencing adherence, such as age, gender, comorbidities, physical activity, and prior dietary interventions, were also evaluated. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were collected, and dietary intake was assessed using a seven-day DH. Results: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear correlation models, univariate logistic regression, t-tests, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Most of the patients follow suggested energy and protein intakes limits; however, substantial individual variability emerged Bland–Altman analysis indicated a moderate bias and wide limits of agreement for energy intake (+116 kcal; limits of agreement –518.8 to +751.3 kcal), revealing frequent overestimation in self-reports. Protein intake showed less systematic error, but discrepancies between dietary recall and biochemical markers persisted. Protein intake decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001), while correlation with nPNA did not reach statistical significance (ρ = 0.224, p = 0.051). No significant associations were identified between adherence and most clinical or lifestyle factors, although diabetes was significantly associated with lower adherence to protein intake (p = 0.042) and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle showed a borderline association with energy intake adherence (p = 0.076), warranting further investigation. Longitudinal analysis found stable BMI and body weight, alongside notable reductions in sodium (p = 0.018), potassium (p = 0.045), and phosphorus intake (p < 0.001) over time. Conclusions: Assessing dietary adherence in CKD remains complex due to inconsistencies between self-reported and biochemical estimates. These findings highlight the need for more objective dietary assessment tools and ongoing, tailored nutritional support. Multifaceted interventions—combining education, personalized planning, regular monitoring, and promotion of physical activity—are recommended to enhance adherence and improve clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article

Background: Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life and may lead to physical and psychological dysfunction. Although various tools have been developed to assess pain-related conditions, many are composed of time-consuming multi-item questionnaires, limiting practicality in clinical settings. The Multidimensional Evaluation Scale for Patient Impression of Change (MPIC) was developed as a simple, retrospective tool to assess multiple domains targeted in interdisciplinary pain management. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Japanese MPIC in patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Methods: We recruited 101 participants from the Interdisciplinary Pain Center at Keio University Hospital between August 2022 and September 2024. Pretreatment measures included pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and sleep quality. Baseline assessments encompassed pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and sleep quality. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for the initial cohort of 35 participants and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) for the subsequent 66 participants. Following the intervention, participants completed the MPIC, in addition to reassessments of pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, psychological distress (HADS or K6), and sleep quality. Retesting the MPIC was performed in a small subgroup of 20 participants for test–retest reliability analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), average variance extracted (AVE), Pearson’s correlations with pain-related measures, Cronbach’s alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess construct validity, convergent validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, and reliability. Results: CFA indicated marginal fit (CFI = 0.86, RMSEA = 0.23, SRMR = 0.06), with factor loadings from 0.49 to 0.91. AVE supported convergent validity (0.58). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93), and ICC was moderate (0.52). MPIC domains correlated significantly with changes in pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, sleep, and psychological distress (p < 0.05), supporting criterion validity. Conclusions: The Japanese MPIC provides preliminary evidence of validity and reliability, with acceptable internal consistency, marginal structural fit, and moderate test–retest reliability. These findings suggest that the MPIC may serve as a concise retrospective instrument for assessing multidimensional treatment outcomes within interdisciplinary pain management programs for chronic non-cancer pain. Full article

Novel universal bulk-fill composites with reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT)-modulated polymerization continue the trend towards increasing simplification of the restoration process to facilitate the reconstruction of deep posterior restorations in 4 mm increments as well as anterior restorations through improved aesthetics. This study aims to assess the suitability of such materials for rapid curing (3 s) with high-radiant emittance in terms of degree of conversion (DC) and polymerization kinetics at relevant depths (2 mm vs. 4 mm). For this purpose, two newly introduced bulk-fill universal composites (Tetric^® plus Flow and Tetric^® plus Fill) were compared with already established fast-curing composites (Tetric^® Power Flow and Tetric^® Power Fill). DC was measured in real time over 300 s using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The temporal DC evolution was modelled using an exponential sum function. Novel bulk-fill composites showed DC results that were independent of the measured sample depth or curing mode. The polymerization kinetics of all composites are somewhat slower in the gel phase at moderate irradiance or when measured at deeper layers, but compensate for the differences in the glass phase, finally reaching equivalent DC values by the end of the 300-s observation period. These novel composites are therefore suitable for rapid curing (3 s) at high irradiance. Full article

Resource efficiency is essential in today’s approach to horticulture. The global problems of water scarcity, soil pollution, biodiversity loss, and rapid growth of the global population require increased food production with fewer resources. Resource efficiency is an indicator that allows defining how much biomass an agri-food system can produce per unit of the resource used. Closed hydroponic systems, such as vertical hydroponic towers (VHTs), exhibit high resource efficiency. In these systems, the water use efficiency (WUE) and the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) can be calculated in terms of the water loss through transpiration and the ion concentration in the nutrient solution. The research aimed to determine the WUE and NUE for chard crops in VHT under greenhouse conditions and to evaluate its feasibility as an urban and peri-urban system for leafy vegetable production. Trials were carried out with chard in the fall 2024 in a tunnel-type greenhouse at the facilities of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi. The VHTs were built with a 20 L square lower deposit on which a cylindrical pipeline of 11.5 cm in diameter and 1.6 m in height was vertically placed. Each pipe had 45 growing containers distributed on 15 levels of three containers spaced vertically 9 cm and a density of 25 plants·m⁻². The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments (75, 100, and 125% of Steiner’s nutrient solution) and three replications. The transpiration (Tr) of the crop (recording weight loss in the deposit) and the shoot fresh weight (SFW) of the plants were measured daily using a scale. An ANOVA and Tukey’s test for mean differentiation were performed with p < 0.05. Significant differences were found between treatments for SFW, WUE and NUE obtaining the best results at 75% of Steiner’s nutrient solution. Results show that WUE increased between 3 and 6 times, and NUE between 3 and 12 times compared to chard grown in soil. These results were equal and even higher than horizontal hydroponic systems or vertical farms. Vertical hydroponic closed towers installed in greenhouses are an optimal horticultural production system with high resources use efficiency. The implementation of VHT is feasible in areas where there is water scarcity or have a high population density. Full article

Background/Objectives: Freeze-dried high-temperature short-time pasteurized human milk fortifiers offer potential for exclusive human milk feeding in preterm infants while providing necessary nutritional supplementation. However, clinical data on safety, tolerability, and growth outcomes remain limited. This study evaluated donor milk fortification compared to conventional bovine protein-based fortification. Methods: We conducted a prospective non-interventional observational cohort study with a retrospectively matched comparison cohort at University Children’s Hospital of Nuremberg. Preterm infants ≥ 30 weeks gestational age requiring mother’s own milk fortification were included. The exposed cohort (n = 32) received freeze-dried high-temperature short-time pasteurized donor milk fortifier at 1.6–4.8 g/100 mL of mother’s own milk; the matched comparison cohort (n = 32) received bovine protein-based fortifier. Primary outcomes included feeding tolerance, safety parameters, and anthropometric measurements. Cohorts were matched for birth weight (±10%), gestational age (±5 days), and fortified feeding. Results: Baseline characteristics were not significantly different: gestational ages 32.8 ± 1.0 versus 33.0 ± 1.2 weeks; birth weights 1900 ± 380 g versus 1840 ± 370 g. Excellent feeding tolerance was demonstrated across >3100 feedings. No necrotizing enterocolitis, abdominal complications, or serious adverse events occurred. Blood glucose, triglycerides, and urea remained normal. Birth weights, lengths, and head circumferences showed no significant differences. Discharge parameters including weight, length, head circumference, and length of stay were also not significantly different. Conclusions: Freeze-dried human milk fortification demonstrates excellent safety and tolerability in preterm infants ≥ 30 weeks gestational age, achieving anthropometric outcomes not significantly different to bovine protein-based fortification. However, the suboptimal protein-to-energy ratio may limit applicability for very low birth weight infants. Therefore, freeze-dried high-temperature short-time pasteurized human milk fortification is suggested to provide appropriate nutritional supplementation for preterm infants with a birth weight over 1500 g. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to identify anatomical and clinical predictors of moderate to high Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) risk in a sample of university students, with an emphasis on sex-based differences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 university students (148 males, 192 females) in Manizales, Colombia. Anthropometric measurements, anatomical features (neck circumference, Mallampati index, facial profile, molar Angle classification), and validated screening tools (STOP-BANG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale) were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied globally and stratified by sex to determine predictors of moderate/high OSA risk (STOP-BANG ≥ 3). Results: Males had significantly higher STOP-BANG scores, neck circumference, and prevalence of moderate/high OSA risk (23% vs. 3.1%), while females showed higher daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001). In the global model, neck circumference (OR = 0.57, p < 0.001) and Epworth score (OR = 0.86, p = 0.01) were significant predictors. In men, neck circumference (OR = 0.62, p < 0.001) and Angle’s molar classification (OR = 0.54, p = 0.04) were associated with risk. In women, neck circumference (OR = 0.35, p = 0.01) and daytime sleepiness (OR = 0.60, p = 0.03) remained significant. Conclusions: Easily accessible anatomical and clinical markers can help identify young adults at risk for OSA. Sex-specific screening approaches may enhance early detection strategies in university populations. Implementing these tools in clinical and educational settings may improve targeted prevention, facilitate timely referral to sleep specialists, and potentially reduce long-term health complications associated with undiagnosed OSA in emerging adults. Full article

Background: Degenerative lumbar spine disease is a prevalent cause of chronic low back pain that significantly impairs daily function and quality of life. While conservative management is the first line of treatment, many patients ultimately require instrumented lumbar spine surgery. However, postoperative outcomes vary considerably, with emerging evidence suggesting that preoperative psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing may influence recovery. The SAP-LD (Scale for Anxiety and Pain in Lumbar Degeneration) study was designed to assess the prognostic role of these psychological and physical parameters in surgical outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 70 adult patients with degenerative lumbar spine pathology scheduled for instrumented surgical treatment at the University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia between March and December 2024. Preoperative assessments included demographic, clinical, and radiologic data along with validated scales: the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Follow-up evaluations were performed at 45 days and at 6 months, and statistical analyses were conducted using correlation tests, ANOVA, and regression modeling. Results: The demographic analysis of the 70 enrolled patients shows a balanced gender distribution (38 females, 34 males) with a mean age of 61 years (range 23–81). The educational level distribution indicates that the majority of patients (44.29%) have a secondary education level, while 35.71% have a tertiary education level. Regarding employment status, 50% of the patients are retired or not working. Patients with clinically significant anxiety and/or depression showed higher levels of perceived pain, pain catastrophizing, and disability at baseline. These patients reported significantly worse scores on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) demonstrates a clinically significant improvement (reduction) in disability between the preoperative period (t0) and the 45-day follow-up (t2), with the median decreasing from 39.00 to 13.00. However, there is a partial regression at the 6-month follow-up (t3), with the median increasing to 27.00. For the SF-36 Health Survey, the General Health subscale shows an improvement between t0 and t2 (median increasing from 55.00 to 60.00), followed by a slight decrease at t3 (median 55.00). Similar patterns are observed in most other subscales, with initial improvement followed by partial regression. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) shows a substantial reduction in catastrophizing between t0 and t2 (median decreasing from 16.00 to 3.00), followed by an increase at t3 (median 11.00), though still below baseline levels. Pain intensity as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) shows a significant reduction at t2 (median decreasing from 5.00 to 3.00), but increases again at t3 (median 6.00), even exceeding the preoperative level. For the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), no significant differences were observed across time points, with values indicating mild symptoms throughout the study period. Correlation analyses confirmed that higher preoperative anxiety and depression scores were predictive of poorer postoperative outcomes. Specifically, higher HADS scores at baseline are associated with higher ODI scores (increased disability) at all time points (p = 0.002), higher VAS scores (increased pain) at all time points (p = 0.015), and lower scores on SF-36 subscales, particularly Emotional Well-being (p = 0.00023) and Social Functioning (p = 0.002). Higher PCS scores at baseline are associated with higher ODI scores at all time points (p = 0.001), higher VAS scores at all time points (p = 0.008), and lower scores on SF-36 subscales, particularly Pain (p = 0.00023) and Physical Functioning (p = 0.04254). The mixed linear models analysis confirms these findings, showing that the ODI score decreases significantly between t0 and t2 (p = 0.00023) and increases between t2 and t3, though this increase is not statistically significant (p = 0.079). For VAS scores, there is a significant decrease between t0 and t2 (p = 0.00023) and a significant increase between t2 and t3 (p = 0.04254). Patients with elevated preoperative HADS scores tended to have slower recovery trajectories and reported lower satisfaction levels. These findings reinforce the prognostic value of psychological assessments in spine surgery and suggest that targeted psychological interventions could improve patient outcomes. Conclusions: By identifying psychological predictors of postoperative recovery, this study underscores the importance of integrating preoperative psychological screening into routine clinical practice. The results suggest that a multidisciplinary approach, including both surgical and psychological care, could enhance long-term functional outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing instrumented lumbar spine surgery. Full article

Academic dropout in French universities is significant. The lack of study engagement partly explains this phenomenon. Pursuing academic studies requires switching effectively among temporal orientations (past, present, and future). Although the relationships between study engagement and each temporal orientation have been studied, to the best of our knowledge, the association of all temporal profiles (present in all individuals) has not been considered in the relationship with study engagement. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature. In total, 451 French first- and second-year students enrolled in the humanities and social sciences Bachelor’s program completed a questionnaire including scales measuring time perspectives and study engagement. Using latent profile analyse, we obtained five profiles. We considered three of these as problematic profiles, including 40% of the students, and two had no problematic profiles. Among the latter, there is one in which 26% of the students are relatively oriented toward all temporal dimensions, and one balanced profile including 33% of the students. As expected, the balanced time perspective profile presented the highest study engagement scores, unlike past negative profiles, which showed lower scores. We discuss the implications of this new result for student academic success. Full article